Bartlett's Anthias Care Guide
Pseudanthias bartlettorum is a western Pacific reef anthias that lives in large harem schools over current-swept reef faces and feeds on zooplankton.
Overview
Pseudanthias bartlettorum is a reef anthias whose upper head and body are bright yellow while the rest of the body is lavender, with a dark-orange band running from the snout to below the eye. Males have a thickened, slightly pointed upper lip. It is among the hardier anthias and a common choice as a first anthias. The species is also referenced under the name Nemanthias bartlettorum.
Taxonomy
- Family: Serranidae
- Genus: Pseudanthias
- Scientific name: Pseudanthias bartlettorum
- Common synonyms: Nemanthias bartlettorum
Habitat
The species lives in the western Pacific, recorded from Palau, Kosrae, Kwajalein, Nauru, Tabuaeran and Tonga. It occurs in areas of strong current such as reef faces, slopes, drop-off zones and channels, down to about 30 m, forming large schools of a few males with several dozen females and juveniles.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- School size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-7 years
Diet
In the wild Pseudanthias bartlettorum feeds on zooplankton in the water column. Because it is a continuous planktivore, captive specimens need several small feedings each day of meaty marine foods to maintain condition.
Compatibility
The fish is peaceful and reef-safe and lives in harem groups, so it is kept as a single male with multiple females. It mixes well with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and chromis, but mixing it with other anthias species or aggressive fish should be avoided.
Breeding
Like other anthias the species forms harems with sex change between females and males. Captive breeding is rarely accomplished.